For centuries magic has been a popular form of entertainment. From live performances to shows about magic, illusionists have caught people’s imaginations. Magicians first gained popularity at local fairs and the circus performing mind-blowing feats of illusions. In the 19th century, Houdini led the way for magicians to become rock stars that sold out giant arenas around the world. Magic easily switched from live shows to television in the 50s. With all the technological advancements, magic and the supernatural still fascinates people.
There are three primary versions of a magic show, which all incorporate supernatural and magical elements. The first is a magician performing a live show with mind-bending illusions that leave the audience stunned. Many of these critically acclaimed live shows are key attractions in Las Vegas. The success of live shows leads to the second version. Magicians continue to be a draw on television with memorable specials and television shows. Finally, beloved fictional TV series and movie franchises explore the world of magicians tapping into supernatural elements. Here’s a look at 19 spellbinding shows about magic covering all three categories.
1. David Copperfield
Wall Street Journal/YouTube
There isn’t a person in the world who doesn’t know iconic magic man David Copperfield. Often considered the most successful magician, Copperfield captured the world’s imagination with some of the most mind-boggling illusions in history. He once escaped Alcatraz prison and somehow made the Statue of Liberty disappear.
His magic show, David Copperfield, is a must-see at the David Copperfield Theatre inside the MGM Grand. It isn’t a Las Vegas trip without checking out some magic at David Copperfield. Magic fans and tourists will become enchanted with his mythical magic and breathtaking illusions.
2. Shadow and Bone
Netflix/YouTube
Magic is one of the rare things that is part fantasy and reality. While dragons are certainly fake, magicians perform mind-bending feats daily. The fantasy series Shadow and Bone explores the world of magic and special powers.
The series follows a cartographer of the Ravka’s First Army, Alina Starkov, as she discovers she can control light, known as a Sun Summoner. Already one of Netflix’s most popular series, Shadow and Bone, is ideal for magic lovers and fantasy fans. The series takes magic to a whole new level.
3. Penn & Teller: Fool Us
Since the 70s, magic and comedy duo Penn & Teller have entertained fans all over the globe. Known for blending comedy and illusions, the iconic team hosts the popular TV series Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
The series features famous magicians performing mind-bending tricks that leave audiences scratching their heads. If Penn and Teller can’t figure out how the magician executed the illusion, the magician wins a Fool Us trophy. Plus, they get a free trip to Las Vegas as the opening act for Penn & Teller at the Rio Casino.
4. The Wizarding World
Wizarding World/YouTube
With witches, wizards, and magical spells, The Wizarding World has it all. Of course, the beloved series all started with Harry Potter and his friends attending a school for the magically gifted, Hogwarts.
One of the most popular franchises of all time, The Wizarding World features the Harry Potter movies and the sequel series Fantastic Beasts. The franchise explores all elements of magic, including wands, potions, mythical beasts, and curses.
5. David Blaine Live in Las Vegas
Vegas Showbiz/YouTube
David Blaine Live in Las Vegas is one of the most popular shows on the Las Vegas Strip. With his low-key, laid-back personality, David Blaine blows audiences away with his sleight of hand, illusions, and dangerous stunts.
Blaine has starred in several television specials, including Street Magic, Real or Magic, and The Magic Way. While his television specials are thrilling and will twist your mind, seeing him live is an unforgettable experience.
6. American Horror Story: Coven
FX
Magic, the supernatural, and horror go together like ingredients in a witches’ cauldron. With an all-star cast, American Horror Story: Coven revolves around a group of young witches learning to live in the modern world.
Each young witch has a different magical power, such as reading thoughts or moving objects with the mind. The four witches explore the supernatural magic that haunts the city of New Orleans. The horrifying season is one the most popular in the anthology series.
7. Magic Reinvented Nightly
Mat Franco/YouTube
The Las Vegas Strip features a who’s who of magic shows but none compare with Mat Franco’s Magic Reinvented Nightly. Performing at the LINQ hotel, Franco’s show won the Best Magic Show award twice at the Best of Vegas Awards.
After appearing on America’s Got Talent, Franco’s career quickly took off. His incredible performance cemented his legacy as one of the most famous modern-day magicians.
8. Piff the Magic Dragon
Popcorn/YouTube
Magician Piff the Magic Dragon is one of the most unique performers in Las Vegas today. With his distinctive blend of comedy and magic, Piff has gained a large fan base in the U.K., U.S., and around the globe.
After making his name on America’s Got Talent, Piff landed a residency at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas with his fantastic magic show Piff the Magic Dragon.
9. The Wheel of Time
Arriving on Prime Video in 2021, The Wheel of Time is one of the best magic shows of the last five years. Based on the novels of the same name, it follows Aes Sedai as she searches for the reincarnated spirit of The Dragon.
Similar to Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, the series finds new ways to explore old concepts of magic in a fresh and exciting way.
10. The Mentalist
@vegasmentalist/Instagram
Born Halloween night in 1962, Gerry McCambridge’s life has always been about magic. Also known as The Mentalist, McCambridge started his career performing illusions and tricks before concentrating on being a mentalist. His live Las Vegas show, The Mentalist, is top-rated on the strip.
With one of the longest-running magic shows in Vegas, McCambridge takes his audiences on a mind-bending journey that ends in shock and disbelief. McCambridge starred in the prime-time network special The Mentalist, showcasing his outstanding talent.
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11. Motherland: Fort Salem
The A.V. Club/YouTube
The popular series Motherland: Fort Salem has an interesting take on magical beings. In a world controlled by women, the United States government ended the Salem Witch trials with the Salem Accord. Now, three powerful witches are conscripted into the U.S. Army.
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They learn to hone their skills for battle in this compelling series. The show lasted for three seasons, keeping fans glued to the screen. Undoubtedly, magic fans should go out of their way to check out this exciting magic show.
12. The Magic of Jen Kramer
Jen Kramer/YouTube
Few magicians compare with the phenomenal Jen Kramer. With her sleight of hand, charm, and unparalleled skills, Kramer performs to sold-out crowds each night in Las Vegas. The Magic of Jen Kramer is a hit on the Las Vegas Strip at the Westgate Resort & Casino.
Known for her appearances on Masters of Illusion and Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Kramer is one of the most successful female magicians today. She’s even a proud member of The Magic Castle, the International Brotherhood of Magicians, and the Society of American Magicians.
13. Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Prime Video/YouTube
There’s nothing more magical than Middle-Earth. With hobbits, elves, dragons, and wizards, Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit set the standard for magic and fantasy. Set thousands of years earlier, Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power continues that tradition.
14. The Good Witch
Diva Dina/YouTube
While most witches in fiction are evil sorcerers up to no good, Cassie Nightingale is the rare good witch. Based on the made-for-television movies of the same name, the Hallmark series The Good Witch follows Cassie and her teenage daughter trying to hide their magical abilities from their new neighbors.
It’s common for TV shows about magical powers to fall into the horror category. However, The Good Witch is a show for anyone that loves magic. The lighthearted series focuses on the fantasy elements involved with witchcraft. It aired from 2015 to 2021 to universal praise.
15. America’s Got Talent
The reality competition series America’s Got Talent is known for featuring some of the most talented magicians today. The series gives magicians a platform to showcase their mind-twisting and unbelievable illusions.
A hotbed for live magic, the grand prize includes the opportunity to perform on the Las Vegas Strip. Several famous magicians got their big break on America’s Got Talent, including Nathan Burton, Mat Franco, Xavier Mortimer, and Piff the Magic Dragon.
16. Just Add Magic
Prime Video Kids/YouTube
Best friends Kelly, Hannah, and Darbie lived a simple life baking and attending school in the town of Saffron Falls. Everything changes when they discover a cookbook full of magical recipes in the popular fantasy series Just Add Magic. With the ability to perform magic, the three girls are now trying to break Kelly’s grandmother’s curse.
17. Nathan Burton Comedy Magic
V Theater Box Office/YouTube
Magician Nathan Burton’s mind-blowing performance on America’s Got Talent caught everyone’s attention. In fact, he got the entire Las Vegas Strip to stand up and take notice. Anyone visiting Las Vegas must stop at Nathan Burton’s Comedy Magic show.
The family-friendly show sticks out in the wild city of Vegas. Burton has a unique ability to blend fascinating tricks with comedy. He performs for sold-out crowds daily, with his afternoon show the talk of the town. Burton’s show is one of the best magic shows in Vegas.
18. Fate: The Winx Saga
Fire fairy Princess Bloom meets people just like her when she enrolls in the Otherworld magical school Alfea. The fire fairy quickly makes friends with the light fairy, the water fairy, and the mind fairy. Based on the animated cartoon, the Netflix series Fate: The Winx Saga follows the magical friends as they uncover the truth about Princess Bloom’s past.
The Winx Saga has everything, including magic, fairies, and the ancient creatures known as the Burned Ones. Despite mixed reviews, the series is worth checking out for magic lovers.
19. Farrell Dillon Comedy Magician
Murphy’s Magic/YouTube
It’s almost impossible to pick one Las Vegas magic show to check out. Well, Farrell Dillion specializes in the impossible. He’s dazzled audiences for years on Masters of Illusion and The Today Show.
Located inside Bally’s Magic Attic, Farrell Dillion Comedy Magician is a hidden gem of the Las Vegas Strip. With his incredible talent and sleight of hand, Dillion’s show is full of comedy, mind-boggling illusions, and heart-pounding stunts. It’s easily one of the best shows in Las Vegas.
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